Guest Post | Neom Real Luxury Organic Body Oil

Hello beauties! I'm Latasha from Today I Adore, and It's a pleasure to be guest posting on

Stacey's lovely blog again! Get well soon gorgeous! Let's get into it shall we?

  

Today I'll be nattering all about something super luxurious to give your skin some TLC after all that Summer partying, The Neom Real Luxury Organic Body Oil (£32). I love to use body oils particularly in the colder months, So pulling this product out of hiding has well and truly distracted me from the dip in temperature in the UK.

This is definitely a luxury body oil, and I just think the packaging is so simple & beautiful, clear glass, silver accents and a pump for easy application. Neom never let me down on the packaging side of things, and I just love their no­ nonsense approach to it. Simpler the better for me! P.s ­ Neom have changed the packaging since I bought mine, and It's even MORE lust­worthy now!

The Real Luxury Body Oil definitely packs a punch on the moisturising side of things, which is something my dry skin is always thankful for, this oil can sort out a multitude of sins in only a few minutes! Just a couple of pumps, smoothed over dry or wet skin, really just locks in hydration and makes my skin instantly soft and supple. My favourite time to apply this is right before I hop into bed, not only because I wake up with silky smooth skin and no greasiness, but also because the Real Luxury scent blends together Lavender, Jasmine & Brazilian Rosewood, to give off a sleep­ inducing concoction of scents. Honestly, It's just dreamy and gives such a lovely sheen to your skin for hours after.

If you're looking for a more indulgent member to add to your line­up, definitely give the Neom

Real Luxury Body Oil a try, it's a worthy addition to your night ­time routine too!

Have you tried anything from Neom Organics? Do you like using body oils?

Latasha xx

Guest Post | Payday Feel Unique Wish List

Oh hiya only me again! Boo! If you didn't read my last post well go now, it was a French Pharmacy wish-list here and I managed to pick up around half the products mentioned when in Paris and LOVE them all. 

Oh how rude am I? I didn't even introduce myself to the newbies, sorry dolls I am Antonia from Mac & Cheese and I am lucky enough to be guest posting on Stacey's blog for a SECOND time!

 

 

 Cant get rid of me huh?
 

It's end of the month and PAYDAY! Rahhhhh who's feeling spendy??  I love Feel Unique I find their website easy to navigate, they offer free delivery and always have good offers on.

 

 

 At the moment they have a SALE on too, eeeeek! 

 

 

Here are my SALE picks:
 

Trilogy Hydrating Mist Toner: You will love the scent of this delicate, aromatic hydration mist providing instant moisture for thirsty skin. Use directly after cleansing to tone and soothe your skin or as a refreshing skin cooling mist on hot days or after exercising. This gentle, alcohol-free blend of pure distilled water infused with extracts of rose, rose geranium and lavender will leave your skin soft and supple and revitalise and refresh body and mind. By far my favourite hydrating toner. Buy here
 

GlamGlow SuperMud: It`s amaze and you won`t believe it till you try it! The world’s most scientifically advanced GLAMGLOW SUPER-MUD is a magical mud clearing treatment that will target, prevent and heal for seemingly poreless skin. Ideal for use as a full face mask or targeted spot treatment. Buy here
 

  

Yves Saint Laurent Babydoll Kiss & Blush; A double play of colour for lips and cheeks. A hybrid between a lip colour and a blush, this innovative air-whipped formula allows for an instant application on both lips and cheeks. With a luminous matte finish, colour is easily buildable from a soft and natural look to a more intense sophisticated look. The patented "hidden pearl" applicator is customised to glide perfectly on the lips and to allow the optimal amount of formula to be dotted on the cheeks. DYING to try one of these babies! Buy here

 
 

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer 150ml: I have read so many rave reviews about this product.This mask adds serious strength to damaged hair and helps reduce breakage," says hairstylist Billi Currie. "For extremely dry and broken lengths, I'd recommend weekly use. Wrap your locks in cling-film or a hot towel to retain heat while the mask is on - it'll encourage the nourishing ingredients to penetrate." here

 

 

Spray Sugar Strip Ease Soothing Mist: Don`t you just hate hate the sting and burn after waxing? Apply liberally on the treated area after waxing. The skin is immediately soothed, calmed and moisturised. here

 

 

You can also find me Twitter here, Facebook here, Instagram here Pinterest here  and Bloglovin  here 

An update and 'time to test'

Hello fellow beauty addicts, I am popping back onto my blog today with an update but also some important information about a new initiative in the UK that I am 100% behind and want to let you know about.  You know me, this post is going to be a long one but if you read any of it, please read the first half!!!

I came across the 'Time to Test' initiative whilst scrolling through Bloglovin' and seeing this post by Hayley at London Beauty Queen, who I am sure you are all an avid fan of like me-and if not, why not?

As regular visitors to my blog will know I was diagnosed with Stage 1B2 Cervical Cancer on the 14th July.  It's hard to believe that was just 6 short weeks ago.

I have been very open and honest on my blog that I hadn't had a smear test in the 9 years I have lived in Dubai.  I think I went for my first 'invited' one from the NHS just before I moved to Dubai when I was 25 and then, as the cliché goes, life got in the way.  I work full time, travelling every month and my weekends were sacred-there was things to do, people to see, lipsticks to buy.  As I suffer from asthma I am at the doctors at least once a quarter for a check up and my GP always used to say to me 'have you had your PAP smear'? and I would blush and promise to make an appointment.  Life got in the way.

And it seems, that's pretty common as 1 in 5 women in the UK do not attend their cervical screening appointment when invited-whether that's through embarrassment or fear or simply because they work full time and can't get to an appointment during their doctors working hours.

Cervical cancer-the facts

Almost 3000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK each year and the disease kills almost one third of that number-970 deaths a year.  Cervical screening aims to pick up and treat abnormal cells before they become cancer and is estimated to save 5000 lives per year.  Cervical screening is NOT a test to find cancer-it's a test to identify any abnormalities in cells early.

Screening is offered free by the NHS in the UK.

Robert Music, Chief Executive of Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust says: "We know from our research that a barrier to attendance can be being able to take time off work and so it's crucial that employees ensure their female staff are given time off to attend what is a simple five minute test that could potentially save their lives.  We're delighted so many companies have already shown their commitment to cervical cancer prevention and hope that many more follow suit"

Time to Test is a GSK initiative supported by Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust-the only UK charity dedicated to supporting those affected by cervical cancer.  Nine British businesses and professional organisations including the Intercontinental Hotels Group, global beauty brand Bare Escentuals, chocolatier Green and Blacks and the The Female Entrepreneur Association have all signed a pledge showing their commitment to female employees having the flexibility to attend cervical screening during working hours if they are unable to get an appointment in their own time. 

The company YOU work for can also sign the pledge on the Time to Test website so send your HR department this link.

Please prioritize your own health ladies.  Hayley has written a brilliant post called What actually happens during a smear test.  The stupid thing is, I wasn't afraid or even particularly embarrassed-I just didn't make my own time to test.  It's worthy to note as well, that in my case the company I work for which is a huge UK domiciled multi-national would 100% not have put any barriers in my way if I wanted to leave the office during working hours to have the test done if I wasn't able to get an appointment over the weekend or in the evening-it's just my own, ridiculously stupid fault. I never thought this would be something that would affect me.

And I guess that leads me on nicely to an update on myself.  If this is the first time you're reading my blog then firstly thank you, hello and welcome and you can catch up with the story so far by reading these posts-Life lately...London and other news, The Curveball and The Recovery.

I am now four weeks post surgery.  The surgery was to remove the malignant tumors in my cervix and during a 6 hour operation my surgeon removed my cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, the top third of my vagina and 30 lymph nodes.  Pretty grim hey.  My The Recovery post covered off the first couple of weeks after surgery and I won't lie, it's been pretty shit.  Please understand this is about recovery from surgery-but surgery I had no choice but to have because I didn't have regular smear tests and it was too late to catch and treat any pre-cancerous cells by the time I did.  For an educated, 34 year old with a good job I feel pretty stupid.

I ended up back in hospital just after my last post.  I had some routine blood tests on a Thursday (the weekend here is Friday/Saturday) and at 9pm on Thursday evening my surgeon rang and asked me to go back to the hospital at 9am Friday morning for a repeat test as my D-Dimer level, which is the test they do for DVT, strokes and Pulmonary Embolisms was 'elevated'.  So I went back the next day and repeated the test plus a blood oxygen level test which is frankly the most unpleasant experience as they take the blood from your artery rather than your veins.  It hurt-a lot.  And I had two in 24 hours.  Within an hour of the blood test my surgeon was on the phone instructing me to go to another hospital where they have specialist scanners because my D-Dimer levels were again elevated.  A normal D-Dimer reading is <0.5, mine was 6.5.  I spent 4 more days in a different hospital having many many tests.  The hospital was quite far from home and I think it was really hard on my mum but especially Mike.  But at least there was no cockerel this time.  And the TV choice was slightly better.  The consultant there was a lovely Italian lady and we talked privately about what I had been through and how I felt recovery was taking such a long time and how much pain I was in and she said to me "Stacey, you have had major surgery, they have cut through your stomach muscles, removed and then rearranged everything around in there-it will take time".

I've had a lot of 'after effects' from the operation-some I hope are temporary, some may be permanent.  To mention a few (I know some of them are too much info, but if it scares you into booking an overdue smear then I am not apologising!)

1) my bladder loves to play up.  I still don't know when I need to pee so I have to make sure I go every 3-4 hours.  When I go I have to think to myself 'have I emptied my bladder?' and it can take a little time.  I don't think I will ever go for a 'quick wee' again.  I've had 2 UTI's since the operation.  And now my bladder has started leaking whenever it feels like it.  My surgeon has actually confirmed its lymph node fluid draining and not urine and it should go away on its own but it feels gross and is embarrassing
2) I'm hugely constipated.  When I do manage to go to the loo it looks like I have pooed out some kind of tiny sheep pellet poo.
3)  I am very very bloated-I do look pregnant and inevitably someone is going to kindly and well meaningly say to me 'when are you due'?  My doctor has said the swelling can last up to 12 months.  I am extremely conscious of it.
4) My hair and skin are really oily-I have heard this is common sadly after a hysterectomy
5) I am nauseous all the time.  Everything smells different-scents and smells I loved now make me feel sick.  Sometimes I can't smell things at all.  Some smells make me almost want to be sick.
6) I walk like your granny.  Mike and I went to a small mall in Dubai yesterday to buy one thing and even four weeks after surgery I was almost crying by the time we got to the car-the pain in my tummy was just awful.
7) My surgeon was able to preserve my ovaries which is supposed to be good because it means I still produce my own hormones and don't go through early menopause.  Having said that I have a 1:3 chance of going through early menopause in the next two years.  The week, exactly 28 days after surgery my ovaries kicked in, producing an egg (which dissolves as I have no tubes) and gave me the WORST period pain like symptoms I have ever had.  I was doubled up in pain and I had to ring Mike to come home from work, I was so worried because the cramping was horrific.  By the time he got home I was crying my eyes out at the pain.  I thought I had just done too much pottering about at home.  The next day I saw my surgeon and he explained it was my ovaries thinking it was that time of the month.  Cheers guys.
8) I still can't drive, swim or have a bath. 
9) I get a bit anxious sometimes. Little things that would never have bothered me before now do-for example I worry that Mike might go out to the garbage chute in our apartment block and the cats might run into the corridor and he wouldn't notice and they might run away.  It sounds stupid writing it down but it fills me with anxiety and I have to check where they all are every time he opens the front door.
10) I sleep very little and have developed a 4am chocolate biscuit habit. I also can't sleep on my tummy which is my usual pose de riguer for sleeping.
11) I am always in pain-sometmes its discomfort and manageable with painkillers, sometimes it's worse.  And I can feel bits moving around in my abdomen-my surgeon says its tissues healing and repairing themselves.  It's a very strange pulling and tugging sensation.  And it moves around-one day on the left side, next on the right.

Having said that I know I have improved significantly since the operation-four weeks ago, if my mum hadn't have been here things would have been so much worse.  I couldn't shower or dress myself.  I couldn't get in and out of bed or off the sofa without help.  I didn't sleep.  Every day the challenge has gotten a little bit more achievable.

Having said that-it has been pretty easy to find positives in every day and by and large my mood has been ok.  I've had so many messages-twitter, my blog, emails, whatsapp, facebook, texts.  I've had lovely cards and gifts.  And every gift/card/message all has the same value to be because it means someone is thinking about me.  Someone cares enough to try and brighten my day.  If I have needed a pep talk I haven't had to look far to find one.

My biggest fear before the operation was that cancer was going to define me and I was going to be a different person after the operation-emotionally I mean.  I also worried, maybe again stupidly, that I wasn't going to be as feminine without all my lady bits.  Over the years we have all read news articles of cancer survivors who say that now the sun and the stars shine brighter and the birds sing louder  but I honestly don't feel like that.  Maybe it's too early, and maybe I am still a little bitter this has happened to me because it has changed my life.  I didn't expect at 34 to not be able to have my own children.  I didn't expect that choice to be taken away from me.  I didn't expect I would never be a mum or my mum and dad would never be grandparents to my children.  I didn't expect I wouldn't have my own children to build a future and eventually an inheritance for.

And of course there are suddenly babies and pregnancies all around me.  Let me set the record straight that I have absolutely zero bitterness or resentfulness towards one of my best friends who is about to give birth, or to one of my other best friends or my sister in law who are both pregnant.  They're my friends and family and I love them to pieces and am absolutely thrilled for them.  It's just like the doctor putting you on a strict diet and then suddenly everyone brings in cakes and sweets and biscuits into work.

However, there are definitely days at the moment where I feel like a worse version of my pre-surgery self.

When I was at secondary school, there was the most incredible lady at the helm as Headteacher.  When I was doing my GCSE's my nan was dying of cancer and I took it very hard and she supported me a lot.  We've kept in touch since I left school and one of the many pearls of wisdom she said to me, that I have always remembered, and she said to me again recently when I got in touch with her to tell her about my diagnosis was 'go as far as you can see, and then see how far you can go'.  For me it's about taking each day at a time at the moment.  And some days I literally repeat what Liz said to me over and over in my head because it refocuses me.  Another gem I found on instagram was this:

Life and the future is different for me now and I guess what this does give me the opportunity to do is to really nail down who I am-really define what Stacey is and what she stands for.  Work on myself a bit. Make myself a better, stronger person.  Make some decisions about how I want my future to be.  Make the stars shine brighter

This week I am due to have a PET scan which is a whole of body scan using a radioactive dye that is injected into you.  This scan is designed to identify any residual cancer in my body and also to allow my oncologist to put together a treatment plan if I need it.  My surgeon seems very confident chemo/radiotherapy will not be needed as the surgery was extensive and he feels he has been able to remove all the cancer.  I think I have taken comfort from his confidence and haven't been worried at all about the scan or the results.

I know this is a ridiculously long post again and I want to end it by saying a huge thank you to Gemma from Miss MakeUp Magpie for all of her support in arranging and posting all the guest posts on my blog-and of course a huge thank you to all the girls who have very kindly taken the time to guest post.  I am still not really able to come back to maintaining my blog as much as I want to so please continue to support the guest posters who are doing a great job.

And finally thank you to everyone who has continued to support me through the diagnosis and operation.

If you're over 25 and are overdue a smear test, then please, first thing tomorrow just pick up the phone and make an appointment.  So many of you have contacted me and told me you have.  Don't leave it too late like I did.  Don't go through this.

A new favorite dress

I can't believe it's Labor Day weekend already! We're planning on some relaxation, good food (obviously), and I'm even going to fit in some gal-time (hello, Labor Day sales!).

So today I'm sharing what has become my current favorite dress. Seriously, I have to stop myself from wearing it every single day. Funny because this particular empire waist style dresses completely works if you're not pregnant too! I love not limiting myself to styles that work only for pregnancy, you know? It's just so easy and comfortable.
I've dressed it up. I've dressed it down. It's super easy to accessorize and just always works.

Oh, and it doesn't hurt that it just so happens to be in my favorite color. ;)

::details::

dress: Pinkblush Maternity

bag: Michael Kors

sandals: Sam Edelman 

necklace: Baublebar (similar)

sunglasses: Tom Ford

post contains affiliate links

Guest Post | Stila 'Avery' Color Balm Lipstick

Thank you so much Stacey for letting me guest post again here on your lovely blog. My name is Gemma and I blog over at missmakeupmagpie.com. Stacey's blog is one of my absolute favourites, so it's always a massive privilege to be able to guest post for her :)

Stila 'Avery' Color Balm Lipstick £16

The Stila Colour Balm Lipsticks claim to combine a creamy, highly pigmented lip colour with the hydrating formula of a lip balm. The formula is enriched with astringent peppermint oil which soothes and stimulates irritated lips and cooling the skin with a tingling sensation. Organic sunflower-based polyglycerides also help to plump up the lips for a fuller and more defined pout. There are 18 shades of the Stila Color Balm Lipsticks, and I opted for shade Avery which Stila describe as being a 'soft peachy coral'. The packaging of this lipstick is absolutely stunning.. a silver, metal casing with the word 'Stila' cut out, with the lipstick colour showing through. At the top of the lipstick casing, there is even a tiny mirror which is such an amazing idea. The lipstick feels quite weighty in the hand and so much more luxurious than the likes of MAC Lipsticks.

Avery is such a pretty shade and one I bought after seeing Shaaanxo use it in a few of her tutorials. When I tried it for the first time, I realised that it looked familar and after sifting through my lipstick collection, I've realised that it's almost identical to the Lime Crime Babette Lipstick in terms of shade and finish. The lipstick glides across the lips effortlessly and is really creamy and smooth on the lips with opaque colour in just two swipes. The scent of this lipstick is really lovely.. it has the typical vanilla scent, with an added minty twist.. the mint does make the lips tingle slightly upon application, but not uncomfortably so. The formula of the Color Balm Lipstick is on par with a lip butter except it's much more long lasting with a weartime of at least four hours. I'd love to add a couple more shades to my collection, as I love Avery so much.. 

Gemma



Casual weekend look

I have reeally enjoyed the whole "dressing myself" thing while pregnant so far. Now that I'm past the whole awkward "is she or isn't she" phase, and the bump is a bit more obvious, it's been SO much fun! Don't get me wrong, the whole process has been great, but to all the mommas out there, you know those "is she pregnant or bloated" months all too well...

So before we headed out over the weekend, we snapped a few quick photos of the easy and casual look I wore.

I love starting with really simple pieces (in this case, white denim and stripes), and adding some stand-out details like the bold necklace, classic, yet eye-catching bag, and of course, my favorite new shoes.

::details::

top: Anthropologie

denim: Citizens of Humanity Avedon Skinny maternity

necklace: BCBG

shoes: Banana Republic

bag: Chanel (similar)

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

post contains affiliate links

Guest Post | Product Pushing

Hello I am Adrienne part time beauty blogger, full time product pusher.

Should you know me in real life (poor you) then I'm almost certain you can confirm that if I adore a product I will all but put said item in your hand and insist you purchase it. What can I say I'm intense like that. If you are one of the lucky ones who doesn't know me in real life let me share what I am currently peddling ha!

Obsessive doesn't begin to cover me...
 

Palmers Strong Roots Spray - A conditioning spray that moisturises the scalp as well as the hair. It soothes dry, itchy scalps, is non-greasy, conditions both the scalp and hair and smells ah-maz-ing. The best fiver you will spend in the hair care aisle. Did I mention it smells amazing?

Chanel Blue Satin Nail Polish - Autumn is on the way here in the UK and I'm body swerving deep wine hues in favour of spellbinding metallic navy nails. Spellbinding? Watch early episodes of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and you will see deep blue metallic nails everywhere. Hello 90's alert! In all seriousness this is one of the few Chanel polishes worth the splurge the formula isn't half bad.

Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Candle - Like I said us Brits are bracing ourselves for the cooler weather and in my mind that equates to one thing - candles! I am a little enamoured by Malin + Goetz Dark Rum EDT which scents the candle of the same name. It is deep yet fresh and utterly sexy due to the leather note. Try it and tell me you aren't sold.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in True Love - I'm not normally one for a pink blush but this is the exception, it gives my cheeks the most beautiful, glowy pink, healthy flush without the need for an abundance of shimmer. It lifts and brightens my whole face and doesn't leave me looking like a deranged Barbie doll. Oh and it really stays in place all day long. Thumbs up all round.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette - My current baby, I have owned this since the day it launched but it has only been recently that I have succumbed to it's beauty. Three subtle, soft focus powders that illuminate the skin and set the make-up. No swatches or review will ever fully convey just how wonderful this palette is, I'm afraid trying really is believing with this.

Kiko Long Lasting Eyeshadows - Are they the ultimate By Terry Black Star Ombre dupes? Nah but who cares? A silky, soft, easy to blend out cream eyeshadow that stays in place, comes in a huge variety of shades and is my current go to shadow base. I love how convenient, cheap and long wearing these babies are. Now if only a Kiko store would come further North.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum - I'm terrified of crow's feet and any sort of line or wrinkle which is ridiculous as we all have to get old. I blame reality TV for my sudden onset of vanity. Each evening before bed I slap on Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum and pray for the best. So far, so good i.e I am wrinkle/line free but then again I am in my mid-twenties, not a smiley character and live in a cold country.

Epic Blend Lip Balms - Hands down my favourite non-medicated lip balm line EVER. Constructed from natural and organic ingredients they not only smell wonderful but they are beyond moisturising. I'm almost certain that should you try one you would agree. Heck I'm 100% certain *winky face*.

For now that is all I am insisting everyone at least swatches at the next available opportunity.

 

Your waning bank balance? Well that is all your own fault for being weak willed! Ha I jest!

Please share what you are currently enjoying.

Adrienne

My Fav Sexy & Smokey FULL MAKEUP TUTORIAL

Let's face it, we all need a go-to makeup look. I'm finding that a variation of this look is definitely mine.
I love my makeup to look sexy, flattering, a little smokey... You definitely can't go wrong with that combo, in my opinion!
So today I decided to just turn the camera on and go for it. *Be prepared for a lot of details in this one... I left NOTHING out! 
Seriously, this is my complete current makeup routine, start to finish for when I want to go for something a little sexier. This particular variation involves a bit of bronze, peach, and plum. One of my favorite eye shadow combos.
I hope you all love it!

:Products Used:

Lorac Pro 2 Palette 

Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation 

Beauty Blender sponge

Nars Translucent Setting Powder 

Perricone No Concealer Concealer

MAC Radiant Rose brightener 

Anastasia Brow Wiz 

Anastasia Brow Gel Clear 

Tarte CC Colored Clay Eye Primer

Urban Decay 24/7 eye pencil in Perversion 

Kat Von D liquid liner in Trooper 

Chanel Volume de Chanel mascara

It Cosmetics CC Radiance Ombre Bronzer 

Smashbox blush in Flush 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Ethereal Light 

Armani smooth silk lip pencil #3

Urban Decay lipstick in Native 

Lorac 3D gloss in Polished

I hope you all have an amazing weekend!!

post contains affiliate links

Guest Post | Smells Like Summer

Hi everyone, my name is Jo and I blog over at A Little Pop of Coral. It's a pleasure to be able to guest post for Stacey today. I think she is so inspirational for the way she is dealing with everything,  she is a very brave lady and I wish her a speedy recovery. I hope you enjoy my post!

 

Everyone dreams of summer days, fun in the sun, days at the beach, eating meals outside and even though there are probably only a few weeks of summer left, there are some products that can make you feel summery all year round and will remind you of warmer climates and happy times, so stock up now! 

Suntan cream is the ultimate summer smell and the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration combines the tropical smell of cococnut, mango and papya together and one sniff of this literally transports you to the beach. It is extremely moisturising on the skin to giving you that dose of hydration as well as your SPF.

A product that I have been using more of since moving to New York is hand sanitiser. The Island Margarita scent from Bath & Body Works is like a cocktail in your handbag! It does the job of sanitising your hands and leaving you with a delicious fruity scent of limes! It is also a really small bottle so does not take up too much room in your bag.

Next onto the most perfect summer fragrance, Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess. This is literally summer in a bottle and combines the scents of coconut, vanilla, tiare flower, bergamot and amber which makes you smell just like a summer holiday. Imagine sun cream, pina coladas and balmy summer evenings all rolled into one. I cannot get enough and the beautiful gold bottle is just to die for too.

The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter is a product that I am no stranger too, and one that I use year round. Nothing screams summer like coconuts and this thick butter, melts easily into the skin leaving your limbs so moisturised and nourished that there is not a dry patch to be seen! I could not be without this!

Finally, one of the nicest ways to get the smell of summer in your home is by lighting a candle. This Bath & Body Works Watermelon Lemonade one is just the ticket, and smells exactly as your would expect, juicy watermelons combined with a hit of citrus. Very fresh and summery! Bath & Body Works candles are some of the best I have tried, they burn cleanly and literally fill up the whole house with the beautiful fragrance!

Have you tried any of these amazing summer scents? What is your favourite product that reminds you of summer?

If you enjoyed my post, I would be thrilled if you came to check out my blog here. Thanks for reading!

 

Major Makeup Declutter...

I'm in total nesting mode... Must. Clean. Out. Everything...

Makeup is no exception. Actually, even if I weren't nesting, I would have totally still needed to do this.
When you're kind of makeup-obsessed like me (not to mention when you make beauty videos and are constantly getting new things to try and sample), a decent-sized collection can cross the line into totally out of control overnight. Mine had crossed that line.

So I decided to do a major makeup overhaul and film this little video to give you some of my guidelines and tips that I followed as I completed this crazy task.
Seriously though, it felt so good to get rid of things I no longer needed and things that were just plain old and expired.




I posted this video last week and already I've gotten so many messages and comments from viewers who have done the same and pared-down their collections a bit. It really is a great feeling! Oh and a little update for ya... As I mentioned in the video, I still had a long way to go as I took you guys through my smaller (but still quite large, to me) makeup collection.  I'm happy to report that I've gone through it again since filming and gotten rid of so much more! Sometimes you feel differently on different days, so I always like to go through areas I'm in the process of cleaning out again and again on totally different days.  So I'm feeling good about my makeup stash now (and totally itching to clean out something else). Any of you cleaning out your collections? ...Or anyone else in a total nesting/Spring cleaning in the Summer mood like me? 

Guest Post | The Lip errr...Five?

I'm lying, it's more of a lip four.

Good start Hol, good start...

 

Ey up ladies, sneaky gents, boys, girls, budgies - and the cheeky Dubai cockerel that Stacey loves so much ;) this is a bit different ain't it?

We're all centre aligned and shizzle?

We're using words such as 'shizzle'?!?!

:|

...well, that's just how I roll ;)

I'm Holly, and I like to have a good old rant on a little blog called Holly Mixtures, where I attempt to review beauty and fashion items without becoming distracted and rambling about nowt, spectacularly failing each time.

Amazingly, for one night only, our Stacey doll has allowed me to let loose on her lovely blog, while she sleeps soundly, (and hopefully with no cockadoodle-do-ing) and recovers from her recent surgery.

She may regret this...

(Tempted to embed Dappy's 'No Regrets' video here, to subliminally convince our Stace that this post is in fact a good idea, however I fear that such content may actually instill further regret, and this post won't last the hour...)

 

 

So yeah.

Today, I bring to you my very own version of Stacey's world famous 'Lip Six' post.

I say world famous, because from Dubai to Yorkshire and beyond, ladies everywhere are catching sight of her sexual lips, and threatening to ditch their significant others in favour of snogging her face off in the desperate hope that their lips may become just as kissable, and, that her lipstick is transferable, meaning they too can wear some of her gorgeous stash.

My 'Lip Five' comes to you in the equally desperate hope that my somewhat shakier application skills may still have a similar effect, and therefore could possibly attract one of you sneaky gents out there, (Arab Sheikhs welcome) for a quick smooch and/or marriage, with a three bedroom house and a picket fence/Arabian palace and pet tiger.

 Whatev's, I'm totally cool.

 Now given that my lip-wear collection extends to little more than six in its entirety, and with it still being August, I flat out refuse to complete my six with darker berry colours, no matter how much I love them...

Soz guys, five - or in fact four, (oh the shame) will just have to do!

Top Row: MAC 'Lady Danger'/Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 'Rendezvous'

-The best lipstick ever/The only lip colour I would dare to wear to work.

Middle Row: Sleek 'Mystic'/MAC 'Impassioned.

-It matches some new shorts I've got and therefore must be worn/My first ever proper pink!

Bottom Row: Umm...Naff all/Vaseline :|

-Because I'm a lipstick failure yet to find a nude lip colour that doesn't make me look like a zombie.

***

 

Now, as JME one said, 'let's get serious'.

Not only is our Stacey doll a fantastic blogger, and an inspiration through the art of perfectly formed lipstick application, but she's an even bigger inspiration in the form of her new status as a 'KACKMy*' - or 'Kick-Ass Cancer Killing Machine yo', and her amazing positivity right now is shining through to us all.

*aaaand worst anagram of the year award goes to...

We can only hope for the bestest outcome, and that she'll be right as rein quicker than Huddersfield Town can sack managers.

 

I can't imagine the strength it must have taken for her to share her news with us, but I'm so glad she has, and that she's kept us updated along the way where possible...

I'm 23 and it's around a year until I'll get that little letter informing me it's time for my first smear; six weeks ago the mere thought would have filled me with dread, but now I'm almost eager.

Ladies, WE'VE GOTTA DO IT!

Get those smears done and let's try and prevent any more of us needing to use that god awful anagram of mine.

Sneaky gents I'd love to include you in this campaign but that would be relatively hard and slightly odd, so ermm...just like, check your bits and that. Cool?

Lots of love Stace, and kisses from my newly snoggable lips.

;)

Thank you for having me.

<3

 

 It's 6.30am and Huddersfield's equivalent of the cheeky Dubai cockerel is making itself known to my ears.

I'm now tempted to do some my own ass-kicking and kick it's stupidly loud butt onto the frickin' moon, you will be so proud Stace.

I'll pick up your cockerel on't way.

And Dappy for good measure.

No Regrets.

Yezzurrr.

:)

 

 

Guest Post | Makeup Revolution Sugar 'n Spice Palette Review

Hi everyone! I’m Bea and I blog over at As Seen By Bea. You must have heard by now about Makeup Revolution; the brand that is pretty much taking over everyone’s blogs with their incredible range and affordable prices. It just goes to show that you really don’t need to pay the earth for good quality and sometimes paying more doesn’t always pay off (but I’ll save that for another post). Today I’m reviewing the Sugar n Spice blusher palette which I actually bought to take on holiday with me as palettes like these are way more practical than taking lots of individual items.

 

 

This palette contains 8 totally different shades, 6 of which are blushers and 2 highlighters. I’ll be honest and say this palette may be best suited to deeper skin tones due to how rich the colours are. I can get away with them when used with a very light hand but shades such as the one in the bottom left of the palette I wouldn’t even try unless I had a little more of a tan! When I first tried the palette, I went straight in with my brush and swept it across my cheekbones, happy as larry. Until I looked in the mirror and was sporting beautiful, bright pink clown cheeks. Not a good look! Or at least not the one I was going for. Believe me when I say these blushers are seriously pigmented and a little really does go a long way.

 

 

 

My favourite shades from the palette have to be the third one in on the top row and the third one in on the bottom row. When used lightly, they look so natural and just create a healthy looking glow which definitely helps to make me a look a bit more awake! This palette is ideal for taking on holiday with you as there is so much choice and variety and it will last you forever.

 

Have you tried any products from Makeup Revolution?

 

Thanks for reading!

Bea x

 

Guest Post | Dior Lip Glow Reviver Balms

Hi everyone!

 

I'm Anne from lifestyle-oasis. Stacey and I have met at a bloggers event recently here in Dubai. I'm really happy to guest post on her blog although I wish it was under different circumstances...

 

Today I wanted to talk about my favorite subject... lip balms!

 

 

These Dior Lip Glow Reviver Balms have been a staple in my makeup bag for quite some time. If you are not familiar with these they are basically tinted balms that react with your lips PH and turn them into your perfect shade of pink and coral.

 

I have two shades, the original pink version and a coral that's been released during Spring. I love them both but I have to say that the coral is by far my favorite. The pink one is nice but it turns quite bright on me. My friend wears it too but on her it turns into a lovely light and fresh pink. It really does look different on everyone, how cool is that? :-)

 

In terms of texture I would say that it's very close to Petroleum Jelly but in a good way. It's moisturizing without being too thick and has a very decent lasting power. Once the glossy effect is gone you are left with a beautiful stain. The color is definitely buildable... the more layers, the more vibrant it will look!

 

The scent is very nice, a beautiful mix of vanilla and mint without any nasty tingly effect!

 

I know these are pricey for lip balms but they are a staple in my handbag... They are perfect to slap on during the day and keep your lips nice and juicy looking!

 

Have you tried these? How do they look on you?

 

Sending a big warm hug to you Stacey... I'm sure you will kick his ass in no time! We are all behind you!

 

Mwah! xx